Cornerstone University Launches Its First Doctoral Program
Cornerstone University’s Professional & Graduate Studies division launched its first doctoral degree program this month. The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership and Development is designed for individuals who have completed a regionally accredited master’s degree. It will equip students to effectively lead organizations through evidence-based decision making.
The program debuted with 13 enrolled students and will take three to four years for a student to complete. This includes a total of 60 credit hours by completing a series of 12 eight-week online courses (48 credit hours), as well as joining a cohort on campus for three intensives and the completion of a capstone research project (12 credit hours).
“The program will enhance the opportunities for leaders to serve organizations from a best practices and theory-informed mindset,” said Dr. Peter Osborn, vice president for adult learning at Cornerstone.
Dr. Jeff Savage, associate dean of business, noted, “Students will be exposed to as much research as possible so that they have a multitude of tools for their organizational toolbox. Ideally, students will become skilled in problem-solving that is consistently informed by an author, scholar, researcher, theory or model from the organizational leadership literature.”
The curriculum will focus on learning new skills in organizational assessment, leading change and project management based on leading research. Students will learn to read, analyze and evaluate research literature for the purpose of knowing and applying evidence-based practices. The professors in this program will present a diversity of expertise from across multiple industries and contexts. This format of the program will provide flexibility for schedules while providing opportunities for in-person cohort and faculty support.
